Reward offered for information on missing Army soldier

Crime Stoppers of Somerset County is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of an Army soldier who was convicted this week of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl.

Angel Parada, 32, has been missing since Wednesday, when jurors started deliberating charges of first-degree aggravated sexual assault and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

On Thursday, Superior Court Judge Paul Armstrong granted the state's request to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. Later that afternoon, after the jury found Parada guilty on both counts, and Armstrong granted the state's request to revoke his $75,000 bail. He was convicted of attacking the child, now 9, when she was visiting his family's home in North Plainfield between Dec. 23, 2005, and Jan. 4, 2006, during the Christmas holidays.

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers toll free tip line at (888) 577-TIPS (8477) or go online to 888577tips.org or scpo.net and click on Give Tips or Crime Stoppers. Citizens will receive a confidential claim number they can use to obtain reward money. All calls will be kept confidential.